Ryan Reynolds Reveals He Tried to Bring Nicolas Cage Back as Ghost Rider in Deadpool – But Here’s Why It Didn’t Happen

In a recent revelation, Deadpool and Wolverine star Ryan Reynolds admitted to pursuing Nicolas Cage to reprise his iconic Ghost Rider role in the film. However, despite direct outreach and preliminary discussions, the effort ultimately fell through.

A Missed Opportunity for a Fiery Cameo
In an interview with Collider, Reynolds confirmed, “Yes,” when asked if Cage had been considered, adding, “Came to a conversation for sure. Yeah, but no.” While brief, this statement confirms that Cage was approached and that discussions occurred, but the collaboration never materialized. Multiple sources, including Variety and IndieWire, have corroborated this account, and no reports contradict Reynolds’ statement, solidifying the notion that the attempt to include Ghost Rider failed.

Nicolas Cage’s Legacy as Ghost Rider
Cage’s Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, appeared in two Sony-produced films: Ghost Rider (2007) and its darker-toned sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011). Although neither film achieved critical acclaim, they collectively cemented Cage’s status as the fiery antihero. Financially, the franchise was successful, with Spirit of Vengeance earning approximately $250 million globally on a $50 million budget. Cage’s unique portrayal made Ghost Rider an enduring character in Marvel’s cinematic history, even though the rights to the character remained with Sony rather than Marvel Studios or Fox.

The Cameo Landscape in Deadpool and Wolverine
Deadpool and Wolverine, released in 2024, serves as both a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) entry and a nostalgic homage to non-MCU Marvel properties, particularly Fox’s roster of characters. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film features a host of cameos designed to celebrate legacy Marvel roles. Notable appearances included Jennifer Garner as Elektra, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, Wesley Snipes as Blade, Channing Tatum as Gambit, and even Henry Cavill as a Wolverine variant. Each cameo was carefully selected, with Reynolds often personally reaching out to actors before involving their representatives. Cage’s absence, therefore, suggests that creative or logistical challenges may have influenced the final lineup.

Why Didn’t Cage Appear?
While Reynolds hasn’t provided a definitive reason for Cage’s non-involvement, several factors likely contributed. First, the character rights disparity posed a potential hurdle. Ghost Rider’s cinematic rights are tied to Sony, whereas Deadpool and Wolverine prominently featured Fox characters—now under Disney following the Fox acquisition. Negotiating Cage’s return as Ghost Rider may have been legally or financially complex. Furthermore, Reynolds has previously hinted at budget constraints and last-minute script adjustments that led to scaling back certain plans, making it possible that the inclusion of Ghost Rider simply wasn’t feasible under the circumstances.

Speculation About Ghost Rider’s MCU Future
Cage’s absence in Deadpool and Wolverine has not gone unnoticed by fans, sparking rumors and speculation about Ghost Rider’s future in the MCU. Recent reports have hinted at Ryan Gosling expressing interest in the role. Gosling, known for La La Land and Barbie, reportedly told MTV News he’d be interested in playing Ghost Rider, with entertainment journalist Josh Horowitz amplifying these rumors on social media. Given that Gosling’s wife, Eva Mendes, co-starred with Cage in the original Ghost Rider films, the idea of Gosling taking on the role adds an intriguing dimension. However, as of April 2025, no official announcements have been made.

Conclusion
Ryan Reynolds’ attempt to bring Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider into Deadpool and Wolverine may not have panned out, but it highlights the lengths to which the film’s team went to honor legacy Marvel characters. Although Cage’s iconic antihero didn’t make the cut, the film’s packed lineup of cameos still delivered a nostalgic thrill, while leaving the door open for Ghost Rider’s potential return—possibly with a new face—in the ever-expanding MCU.